Perledo, Lake Como: The Hill Villages Above Varenna

Perledo village seen from Vezio above Lake Como — Perledo seen from the hamlet of Vezio above the eastern shore of Lake Como. Photo: Ysogo / Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 4.0.

Perledo is not one waterfront village but a collection of hamlets spread across the olive-covered slopes above Varenna. Paths connect stone houses, woodland, old mills and Vezio, with Lake Como appearing far below between terraces and chestnut trees.

It offers a hill-country counterpart to Varenna: quieter, greener and shaped by walking rather than the lakeside promenade.

A brief history

The medieval parish of Perledo once included a wide territory of small settlements, including Vezio, Regoledo, Regolo and Gittana. Agriculture, olive growing and routes across the slopes sustained these communities. The historic Sentiero del Viandante preserved the old land connection along the eastern shore above the lake.

Where Perledo sits on the lake

Perledo rises immediately above Varenna on the eastern shore. Its territory extends from lakeside hamlets such as Gittana to hillside villages and the Esino valley, with roads and paths climbing sharply from the station area.

Perledo and its green hillside seen from Vezio Castle — Perledo’s hillside landscape seen from Vezio Castle. Photo: Martin Lindner / Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 4.0.

The best things to see in Perledo

1. Vezio and its castle

The hamlet of Vezio belongs to Perledo and sits on a ridge above Varenna. Its famous castle and viewpoints draw most visitors, but the small church and stone lanes also deserve attention.

2. The Sentiero del Viandante

The historic Wayfarer’s Path crosses Perledo’s terraces and woods. Short sections give a sense of the route; longer stages toward Bellano or Lierna require time, water and suitable footwear.

3. Olive terraces and old hamlets

Away from Vezio, Perledo’s villages reveal working olive groves, old fountains and wide views. The landscape feels rural even though the busy central lake lies directly below.

Planning your visit

Getting there. Reach Varenna-Esino by train, then climb by local road, bus or footpath. The ascent is steep; consult local transport information rather than assuming every hamlet is an easy walk.

Best for. Hiking, hill views and travellers who want to explore beyond Varenna’s waterfront.

When to go. Spring and autumn for walking; avoid the hottest part of summer days on exposed paths.

Nearby. Varenna lies below, Bellano to the north and Lierna to the south.

Perledo changes the perspective on central Lake Como: the famous villages become small shapes below a much older landscape of paths and terraces.